Time was, going to the prom meant you got a new dress (or a sister’s hand-me-down). Your date, who wore a suit and brought a corsage, picked you up in his own (or his parents’) car. You went to the dance and then he took you home. Any teenager today would laugh at such an idea.When my own kids … [Read more...] about How to cut the cost of prom and still be cool
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What you need to know about energy-saving light bulbs
Recently, I discovered that I was down to one old-fashioned incandescent 60-watt light bulb. The day of reckoning had arrived. I was finally going to have to figure out the new energy-saving light bulbs.The standard Thomas Edison incandescent light bulb is extremely inefficient, wasting about … [Read more...] about What you need to know about energy-saving light bulbs
How to build a cheap cloth diaper stash
If you’re interested in using cloth diapers, the choices and up-front cost can be daunting. Prices vary greatly among styles and brands, but plenty of affordable ways can be found to purchase cloth diapers, especially if you plan ahead.When building your stash, aim for 20 to 24 … [Read more...] about How to build a cheap cloth diaper stash
5 tips to find the best local prices on clothing in 10 minutes or Less
While new technologies in virtual retail are allowing you to browse a store’s merchandise and see fashion catwalks in action, we all still have times when we just have to run to a local store and get something in person. Whether we are down to the wire with finding an outfit for an office party or … [Read more...] about 5 tips to find the best local prices on clothing in 10 minutes or Less
5 ways to cut bridesmaids’ costs (and keep them as your friends)
It's exciting when a friend asks you to be a bridesmaid at her wedding. But it's also expensive, starting with the fact that bridesmaids are expected to buy their own dresses. According to the Dessy Group, the average cost of a bridesmaid dress is $200, not including alterations — usually another … [Read more...] about 5 ways to cut bridesmaids’ costs (and keep them as your friends)
The Coupon Insider: What’s stacking?
When it comes to coupons, we're always stoked about stacking. What's stacking, you ask? It's when you stack a manufacturer's coupon on top of a store coupon for a double-dip discount.Many retailers offer store coupons, including most grocery stores, Target, Walgreens, Rite Aid and CVS -- just … [Read more...] about The Coupon Insider: What’s stacking?
6 ways to save when buying new luggage
Even a luggage junkie like me has had her share of suitcase mishaps. My favorite came while sprinting through Los Angeles International Airport when my nifty (and pricey) wheeled overnight bag lost a wheel. Well, not the entire wheel, just the outer rim, which had peeled off in pieces behind me. It … [Read more...] about 6 ways to save when buying new luggage
7 places to find cheap books
I’m a hands-on person when it comes to books. I like to touch them, hold them, read a page or two before I buy. I don’t like ordering them online (though I have, from time to time), so I have to find ways to feed my reading habit that involve going to actual brick and mortar stores.Here are … [Read more...] about 7 places to find cheap books
How to maximize credit card rewards
When it comes to credit cards, if you’re pretty good at paying your bill on time and keeping your debt load manageable, you’re ahead of the game. But are you really getting the most from your perks and rewards programs? If the answer is no, you’re like most card users, says Matthew Goldman, CEO of … [Read more...] about How to maximize credit card rewards
7 ways to save big by buying in bulk
Buying in bulk can help you save a lot of money. But you can waste money, too, if you don’t plan your purchases and buy what your family will use. Here are seven tips for maximizing your savings and avoiding pitfalls when it comes to buying large quantities of product.1. Plan your list and your … [Read more...] about 7 ways to save big by buying in bulk
How to organize an estate sale
An estate sale, estate auction or tag sale is an efficient way to break up a household. An estate liquidation company runs the sale in exchange for a percentage of the proceeds. Depending on the area of the country and the number of items in the house, the commission may range from 25% to 45% of … [Read more...] about How to organize an estate sale
The Coupon Insider: Walgreens tightens coupon policy
Every coupon clipper knows that knowledge is power, especially when it comes to a store's coupon policy. If you're well-informed at checkout, it's one of the best weapons in your arsenal against paying full price. Unfortunately, every store has a different policy on limits, stacking and doubling. … [Read more...] about The Coupon Insider: Walgreens tightens coupon policy
Graduation gift ideas for less than $50
When I graduated from high school, I received a matching set of luggage to take me off to college. I used it for years. When I graduated from college, the best gifts I got were cash, because I had student loans to repay.Surprisingly enough, those two gifts still stand the test of time.But … [Read more...] about Graduation gift ideas for less than $50
Best way to buy and sell furniture on Craigslist
The garage and the basement are full. You can’t stand that old entertainment center. You really want a new sofa but don’t want to pay new-furniture prices.In decades past, you might have put up a notice on the bulletin board at your local coffee shop or checked the newspaper classifieds. But … [Read more...] about Best way to buy and sell furniture on Craigslist
How to consign your old clothes
Buying new clothes usually means spending money, no matter where you shop.One thing I learned not long ago was how to consign clothes for sale in order to better afford new ones. This is also a great way to make sure that your closet, drawers and other places you store clothes are more … [Read more...] about How to consign your old clothes
